Display apparatus and method of driving the same

ABSTRACT

A display apparatus includes a gate driver which sequentially outputs a gate signal at a high state in response to a gate control signal and a data driver which converts image data into a data signal in response to a data control signal. The display apparatus further includes a display panel which includes a plurality of gate lines which sequentially receive the gate signal, a plurality of data lines which receive the data signal and a plurality of pixels connected to the gate and data lines and which receive the data signal in response to the gate signal to display an image. The polarity of the data signal is inverted after the gate signal transitions to a low state.

This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No.2007-23126, filed on Mar. 8, 2007, and all the benefits accruingtherefrom under 35 U.S.C. § 119, the contents of which in its entiretyare herein incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a display apparatus and a method ofdriving the display apparatus. More particularly, the present inventionrelates to a display apparatus having an improved display quality and amethod of driving the display apparatus.

2. Description of the Related Art

In general, a liquid crystal display includes a liquid crystal displaypanel to display an image. The liquid crystal display panel includes alower substrate, an upper substrate facing the lower substrate and aliquid crystal layer interposed between the lower substrate and theupper substrate.

The liquid crystal display further includes a plurality of gate lines, aplurality of data lines and a plurality of pixels connected to theplurality of gate and the plurality of data lines. The liquid crystaldisplay further includes a gate driver formed directly thereon through athin film process. The gate driver sequentially outputs a gate signal tothe plurality of gate lines.

In general, the gate driver includes a shift register in whichindividual stages of a plurality of stages are cascaded. For example,each of the stages is turned on in response to an output signal from anadjacent previous stage and turned off in response to an output signalfrom an adjacent next stage.

Since a first stage does not have an associated previous stage, thefirst stage receives a start signal in lieu of the output signal from aprevious stage. However, when the start signal has a high period longerthan a horizontal scanning period and is applied to the first stage, thefirst stage malfunctions when the first gate signal transits to a lowlevel. As a result, the first gate signal is distorted.

Further, when a data driver outputs a second data signal applied to asecond pixel row before the first gate signal completely transits to alow level due to the distortion thereof, a pixel voltage charged to afirst pixel row is reduced due to the second data signal. Thus, amalfunction occurs in which pixels of the first pixel row are brighterthan other pixels in the liquid crystal display panel.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a display apparatus having an improveddisplay quality and a method of driving the display apparatus.

In one exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a displayapparatus includes a gate driver, a data driver and a display panel. Thegate driver sequentially outputs a gate signal at a high state inresponse to a gate control signal. The data driver converts image datainto a data signal in response to a data control signal.

The display panel includes a plurality of gate lines which sequentiallyreceives the gate signal, a plurality of data lines which receives thedata signal and a plurality of pixels connected to the plurality of gatelines and the plurality of data lines and receives the data signal inresponse to the gate signal to display an image.

The polarity of the data signal is inverted at least every one line orevery one dot.

The gate control signal includes a start signal, a first clock signalwhich determines a duration of the gate signal applied to odd-numberedgate lines of the plurality of gate lines and a second clock signalwhich determines a duration of the gate signal applied to even-numberedgate lines of the plurality of gate lines and has an opposite phase to aphase of the first clock signal.

The display apparatus may further include a clock generator whichgenerates the first clock signal in response to a first output enablesignal, generates the second clock signal in response to a second outputenable signal, generates the second output enable signal having a phasedifferent than a phase of the first output enable signal and generates aclock generating signal, wherein a period of the first clock signal isequal to a duration of time between a first time when the first outputenable signal transitions to a first output enable signal first highstate and a second time when the second output enable signal transitionsto a second output enable signal first high state.

A duration of the first output enable signal first high state and aduration of the second output enable first high state may each begreater than or equal to about 5.5 microseconds.

The duration of the first output enable signal first high state and theduration of the second output enable first high state may each begreater than or equal to a duration of a first output enable signalsubsequent high state and a duration of a second output enablesubsequent high state, respectively.

The duration of the first output enable signal first high state and theduration of the second output enable first high state may each be about5.5 microseconds, and the duration of the first output enable signalsubsequent high state and the duration of the second output enablesubsequent high state may each be about 3.7 microseconds.

A display apparatus according to an alternative exemplary embodiment ofthe present invention includes a gate driver which sequentially outputsgate signals in response to a gate control signal, a data driver whichconverts image data into a data signal in response to a data controlsignal and outputs the data signals and a display panel.

The display panel includes a plurality of gate lines which sequentiallyreceives the gate signals, a plurality of data lines which receives thedata signals and a plurality of pixels connected to the gate lines andthe data lines and which receives the data signals in response to thegate signals to display an image.

The gate driver includes a first dummy stage which outputs a dummy carrysignal in response to a start signal and a plurality of cascaded stageswhich operates in response to the dummy carry signal to sequentiallyapply the gate signal to the plurality of gate lines.

The first dummy stage is configured substantially the same as thecascaded stages.

Each of the cascaded stages of the plurality of cascaded stages turns onin response to a previous adjacent carry signal and turns off inresponse to a next adjacent gate signal, and the gate driver furthercomprises a second dummy stage which generates a dummy gate signal toturn off a last cascaded stage among the plurality of cascaded stages.

In yet another alternative exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention, a display apparatus includes a gate driver which sequentiallyoutputs gate signals in response to a gate control signal, a data driverwhich converts image data into a data signal in response to a datacontrol signal and outputs the data signal and a display panel.

The display panel includes a plurality of gate lines which sequentiallyreceives the gate signals, a plurality of data lines which receives thedata signals, and a plurality of pixels connected to the plurality ofgate lines and the plurality of data lines and which receives the datasignal in response to the gate signals to display an image.

The gate driver includes a pulse width modulator which receives a firststart signal and outputs a second start signal having a pulse widthsmaller than that of the first start signal in response to a selectionsignal and a plurality of cascaded stages which operate in response tothe second start signal from the pulse width modulator to sequentiallyapply the gate signal to the plurality of gate lines.

The second start signal has a pulse width equal to a pulse width of ahorizontal scanning period of the gate signals.

The pulse width modulator includes a transistor, and the transistorincludes an input electrode which receives the first start signal, acontrol electrode which receives the selection signal and an outputelectrode which outputs the second start signal.

Further, odd-numbered stages among the plurality of cascaded stagesoutput the gate signals to odd-numbered gate lines of the plurality ofgate lines in response to a first clock signal of the gate controlsignal. Even-numbered stages among the plurality of cascaded stagesoutput the gate signals to even-numbered gate lines of the plurality ofgate lines in response to a second clock of the gate control signal.

The second start signal is applied to a first stage, the selectionsignal is the second clock signal, and the first clock signal has aphase opposite to a phase of the second clock signal.

In still another alternative exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention, a display apparatus includes: a gate driver comprising aplurality of cascaded stages, the plurality of cascaded stagescomprising a first cascaded stage and a plurality of subsequent cascadedstages to sequentially output gate signals in response to a gate controlsignal; a data driver which converts image data into a data signal inresponse to a data control signal and outputs the data signal; and adisplay panel.

The display panel includes: a plurality of gate lines which sequentiallyreceives the gate signals; a plurality of data lines which receives thedata signals; and a plurality of pixels connected to the plurality ofgate lines and the plurality of data lines and which receives the datasignals in response to the gate signals to display an image.

The first cascaded stage and each of the subsequent cascaded stages ofthe plurality of cascaded stages includes: a first transistor whichpulls up a gate signal to a gate-on voltage; a second transistorconnected to a control electrode and which receives a previous adjacentoutput signal to turn on the first transistor; a third transistorconnected to the control electrode and which receives a next adjacentoutput signal to turn off the first transistor; and a fourth transistorconnected to an output terminal and which receives the next adjacentoutput signal to pull down the gate signal to a gate-off voltage.

The fourth transistor of the first cascaded stage has a channel widthgreater than or equal to about two times a channel width of the fourthtransistor of the subsequent cascaded stages of the plurality ofcascaded stages.

The fourth transistor of the first cascaded stage may have a channelwidth of about 3000 micrometers, and the fourth transistor of each ofthe subsequent cascaded stages of the plurality of cascaded stages mayhave a channel width of about 1100 micrometers.

The first cascaded stage and each of the cascaded stages of theplurality of cascaded stages may further include a fifth transistorwhich holds an electric potential of the control electrode at thegate-off voltage.

The fifth transistor of the first cascaded stage may have a channelwidth less than or equal to about one-tenth of a channel width of thefifth transistor of the subsequent cascaded stages among the pluralityof cascaded stages.

The fifth transistor of the first cascaded stage may have a channelwidth of about 25 micrometers and the fifth transistor of the subsequentcascaded stages may have a channel width of about 350 micrometers.

Further, the first cascaded stage and each of the subsequent cascadedstages of the plurality of cascaded stages further may include a sixthtransistor which pulls up a carry signal to a gate-on voltage inresponse to an electric potential of the control electrode. The previousadjacent output signal applied to the present stage may be a previouscarry signal output from the previous adjacent stage, and the nextoutput signal applied to the present stage may be a next adjacent gatesignal output from the next stage.

The first cascaded stage and each of the subsequent cascaded stages ofthe plurality of cascaded stages may further include a seventhtransistor connected to the plurality of gate lines to discharge a gatesignal to the gate-off voltage.

The seventh transistor of the first cascaded stage may have a channelwidth greater than or equal to about 1.5 times a channel width of theseventh transistors of the subsequent cascaded stages of the pluralityof cascaded stages.

Further, the seventh transistor of the first cascaded stage may have achannel width of about 4000 micrometers and each of the seventhtransistors of the subsequent cascaded stages of the plurality ofcascaded stages may have a channel width of about 6000 micrometers.

In still another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, methodof driving a display apparatus includes sequentially outputting gatesignals at a high state in response to gate control signals, convertingimage data into a data signal in response to a data control signal,changing a polarity of the data signals after the gate signals transitto a low state and receiving the data signals in response to the gatesignals to display an image.

The polarity of the data signals is inverted at least every one line orevery one dot.

The gate control signal includes a start signal starting an output ofthe gate signal, a first clock signal determining a high period ofodd-numbered gate signals among the gate signals and a second clocksignal determining a high period of even-numbered gate signals among thegate lines and having an opposite phase to that of the first clocksignal.

The method may further include generating the first clock signal inresponse to a first output enable signal, the second clock signal inresponse to a second output enable signal having a different phase withrespect to the first output enable signal, and a clock generatingsignal, wherein a period of the first clock signal is equal to aduration of time between a first time when the first output enablesignal transitions to a first output enable signal first high state anda second time when the second output enable signal transitions to asecond output enable signal first high state.

Further, a duration of the first output enable signal first high stateand the second output enable signal first high state may be greater thanor equal to a duration of a first output enable signal subsequent highstate and a duration of a second output enable subsequent high state,respectively.

According to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, a firstgate signal output from a first stage of a gate driver may be lowered toa low level faster than the a timing wherein a polarity of a data signalis inverted. Thus, line defects of a first pixel row may be effectivelyreduced or prevented, thereby improving a display quality of a displayapparatus.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and other aspects, features and advantages of the presentinvention will become more apparent by describing in further detailexemplary embodiments thereof with reference to the accompanyingdrawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a liquid crystal display according to anexemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a waveform diagram showing input and output signals of a clockgenerator of the liquid crystal display according to the exemplaryembodiment of the present invention in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a waveform diagram showing input and output signals of a clockgenerator of a liquid crystal display according to an alternativeexemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a gate driver of the liquid crystaldisplay according to the exemplary embodiment of the present inventionin FIG. 1;

FIG. 5A is a graph of gate signals and data signals versus timeillustrating a relationship between a first gate signal and data signalsin a liquid crystal display of the prior art;

FIG. 5B is a graph of gate signals and data signals versus timeillustrating a relationship between a first gate signal and data signalsin a liquid crystal display according to an exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 6A is a block diagram of a gate driver of a display deviceaccording to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6B is a waveform diagram illustrating input and output signals of adummy stage D-SRC of the gate driver of the display device according tothe exemplary embodiment of the present invention in FIG. 6A;

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a gate driver of a display deviceaccording to yet another exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a waveform diagram illustrating input and output signals of apulse width modulator of the gate driver of the display device accordingto the exemplary embodiment of the present invention in FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a graph illustrating a first gate signal output of the gatedriver of the display device according to the exemplary embodiment ofthe present invention in FIG. 7;

FIG. 10 is a schematic circuit diagram of a first stage of a gate driveraccording to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 11A is a plan view of a second ripple preventing transistor of afirst stage of the gate driver according to the exemplary embodiment ofthe present invention in FIG. 10; and

FIG. 11B is a plan view of a second ripple preventing transistor of asecond stage of the gate driver according to the exemplary embodiment ofthe present invention in FIG. 10.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The invention will now be described more fully hereinafter withreference to the accompanying drawings, in which exemplary embodimentsof the invention are shown. The present invention may, however, beembodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limitedto the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments areprovided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and willfully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art.Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout.

It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being “on”another element, it can be directly on the other element or interveningelements may be present therebetween. In contrast, when an element isreferred to as being “directly on” another element, there are nointervening elements present. As used herein, the term “and/or” includesany and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

It will be understood that although the terms “first,” “second,” “third”etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components,regions, layers and/or sections, these elements, components, regions,layers and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These termsare only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer orsection from another element, component, region, layer or section. Thus,a first element, component, region, layer or section discussed belowcould be termed a second element, component, region, layer or sectionwithout departing from the teachings of the present invention.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particularembodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. Asused herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended toinclude the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicatesotherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises”and/or “comprising,” or “includes” and/or “including,” when used in thisspecification, specify the presence of stated features, regions,integers, steps, operations, elements and/or components, but do notpreclude the presence or addition of one or more other features,regions, integers, steps, operations, elements, components and/or groupsthereof.

Furthermore, relative terms, such as “lower” or “bottom” and “upper” or“top” may be used herein to describe one element's relationship to otherelements as illustrated in the Figures. It will be understood thatrelative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of thedevice in addition to the orientation depicted in the Figures. Forexample, if the device in one of the figures is turned over, elementsdescribed as being on the “lower” side of other elements would then beoriented on the “upper” side of the other elements. The exemplary term“lower” can, therefore, encompass both an orientation of “lower” and“upper,” depending upon the particular orientation of the figure.Similarly, if the device in one of the figures were turned over,elements described as “below” or “beneath” other elements would then beoriented “above” the other elements. The exemplary terms “below” or“beneath” can, therefore, encompass both an orientation of above andbelow.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientificterms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by oneof ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention belongs. Itwill be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonlyused dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning which isconsistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and thepresent disclosure, and will not be interpreted in an idealized oroverly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

Exemplary embodiments of the present invention are described herein withreference to cross section illustrations which are schematicillustrations of idealized embodiments of the present invention. Assuch, variations from the shapes of the illustrations as a result, forexample, of manufacturing techniques and/or tolerances, are to beexpected. Thus, embodiments of the present invention should not beconstrued as limited to the particular shapes of regions illustratedherein but are to include deviations in shapes which result, forexample, from manufacturing. For example, a region illustrated ordescribed as flat may, typically, have rough and/or nonlinear features.Moreover, sharp angles which are illustrated may be rounded. Thus, theregions illustrated in the figures are schematic in nature and theirshapes are not intended to illustrate the precise shape of a region andare not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in further detailwith reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a liquid crystal display according to anexemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 1, a liquid crystal display includes a liquid crystaldisplay panel 100 which displays an imaged thereon, a data driver 320which outputs data signals D1-Dm to the liquid crystal display panel 100 and a gate driver 210 which outputs gate signals G1-Gn to the liquidcrystal display panel 100.

The liquid crystal display panel 100 includes an array substrate (notshown), a color filter substrate (not shown) facing the array substrateand a liquid crystal layer (not shown) interposed between the arraysubstrate and the color filter substrate.

The liquid crystal display panel 1 00 further includes a plurality ofgate lines GL1-GLn and a plurality of data lines DL1-DLm insulated fromand intersecting the gate lines GL1-GLn to define a plurality of pixelareas in a substantially matrix configuration thereon. In each of thepixel areas, a pixel P1 includes a thin film transistor Tr and a liquidcrystal capacitor Clc. According to the exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention shown in FIG. 1, the thin film transistor Tr of afirst pixel includes a gate electrode electrically connected to a firstgate line GL1, a source electrode electrically connected to a first dataline DL1 and a drain electrode electrically connected to a pixelelectrode which serves a first electrode of the liquid crystal capacitorClc.

The gate driver 210 may be formed directly on the liquid crystal displaypanel 100 and disposed adjacent to an end of the gate lines GL1-GLn. Thegate driver 210 is electrically connected to an end of the gate linesGL1-GLn to sequentially apply the gate signals G1-Gn to the gate linesGL1-GLn.

The data driver 320 includes a plurality of chips (not shown), and thechips are mounted on the liquid crystal display panel 100 or on aseparate film (not shown). The data driver 320 may be directly formed onthe liquid crystal display panel 100 The data driver 320 is electricallyconnected to an end of the data lines DL1-DLm to apply the data signalsD1-Dm to the data lines DL1-DLm. The data signals D1-Dm are inverted atleast every one line or every one dot.

The liquid crystal display further includes a timing controller 350 anda clock generator 360 in order to control the gate driver 210 and thedata driver 320.

The timing controller 350 receives an image data signal I-data andvarious control signals such as a vertical synchronization signal Vsync,a horizontal synchronization signal Hsync and a main clock Mclk, forexample, but is not limited thereto. The timing controller 350 providesthe image data signal I-data to the data driver 320 and provides datacontrol signals such as an output start signal TP, a data enable signalDE, a horizontal start signal STH and a reverse signal REV, for example,to the data driver 320. The data driver 320 converts the image datasignal I-data into the data signal D1-Dm in response to the data controlsignals and outputs the data signals D1-Dm to the data lines DL1-DLm.

The timing controller 350 also provides a vertical start signal STV tothe gate driver 210 and provides a clock generating signal CPV, a firstoutput enable signal OE1 and a second output enable signal OE2 to theclock generator 360. The clock generator 360 generates a first cocksignal CKV and a second clock signal CKVB based on the clock generatingsignal GPV, and a first output enable signal OE1 and a second outputenable signal OE2. The first and second clock signals CKV and CKVB,respectively, generated by the clock generator 360 are applied to thegate driver 210.

The gate driver 210 sequentially outputs the gate signals G1-Gn to thegate lines GL1-GLn in response to a gate control signal including thevertical start signal STV, and the first and second clock signals CKVand CKVB, respectively. The gate driver 210 may receive a gate-offvoltage Voff.

The clock generator 300 will now be described in further detail withreference to FIG. 2. FIG. 2 is a waveform diagram showing input andoutput signals of a clock generator of the liquid crystal displayaccording to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention in FIG.1.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the first output enable signal OE1 and thesecond output enable signal OE2 are periodically at a high level, andthe second output enable signal OE2 is has a period equal in duration toa period of the first output enable signal OE1. The second output enablesignal OE2 has a different phase than the first output enable signalOE1.

Further referring to FIG. 2, a first high period t1 of the first outputenable signal OE1 is different than subsequent high periods t2 of thefirst output enable signal OE1. As shown in FIG. 2, the first highperiod t1 of the first output enable signal OE1 has a longer durationthan a duration of each of the subsequent high periods t2 of the firstoutput enable signal OE1. In an exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention, the first high period t1 of the first output enable signalOE1 is maintained at a high state for about 5.5 microseconds per periodand each of the subsequent high periods t2 of the first output enablesignal OE1 are maintained at a high state for about 3.7 microseconds perperiod. Put another way, the first high period t1 of the first outputenable signal OE1 is maintained at a high state longer than each of thesubsequent high periods t2 of the first output enable signal OE1 byabout 1.8 microseconds.

Further referring to FIG. 2, a first high period t3 of the second outputenable signal OE2 is different than subsequent high periods t4 of thesecond output enable signal OE2.

As shown in FIG. 2, the first high period t3 of the second output enablesignal OE2 has a longer duration than a duration of each of thesubsequent high periods t4 of the second output enable signal OE2. In anexemplary embodiment of the present invention, the first high period t3of the second output enable signal OE2 is maintained at a high state forabout 5.5 microseconds per period, and each of the subsequent highperiods t4 of the second output enable signal OE2 are maintained at ahigh state for about 3.7 microseconds per period. Put another way, thefirst high period t3 of the second output enable signal OE2 ismaintained at a high state longer than each of the subsequent highperiods t4 of the second output enable signal OE2 by about 1.8microseconds.

Still referring to FIG. 2, the first clock signal CKV rises to a highlevel corresponding to a rising edge of the first high period t1 of thefirst output enable signal OE1 and gradually falls to a low levelcorresponding to a rising edge of the first high period t3 of the secondoutput enable signal OE2. The first clock signal CKV is at a low levelcorresponding to a falling edge of the clock generating signal CPV andis maintained at the low level until the second high period t2 of thefirst output enable signal OE1 is at a high state. Since the first highperiods t1 and t3 of the first and second output enable signals OE1 andOE2, respectively, are maintained at a high state longer than each ofthe remaining high periods t2 and t4 of the first and second outputenable signals OE1 and OE2, respectively, by about 1.8 microseconds, afirst high period t5 of the first clock signal CKV has a longer durationthan subsequent high periods t6 of the first clock signal CKV.Therefore, a first clock of the first clock signal CKV may be earlychanged in a high state by the first output enable signal OE1 and beearly changed in a low state by the second output enable signal OE2. Thegate driver 210 outputs the first gate signal G1 corresponding to afirst high period t5 of the first clock signal CKV. Thus, the first gatesignal G1 may be enough discharged before the data signal D1˜Dm areapplied to the data lines DL1˜DLm.

Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the second clock signal CKVB has anopposite phase to a phase of the first clock signal CKV. Therefore, thefirst high period t7 of the second clock signal CKVB has a longerduration than subsequent high periods t8 of the second clock signalCKVB.

As described above, since the first high period t1 of the first outputenable signal OE1 is maintained at a high state longer than thesubsequent high periods t3 of the first output enable signal OE1 byabout 1.8 microseconds, the first high period t5 of the first clocksignal CKV is rapidly applied to the gate driver 210 by about 1.8microseconds. Thus, the gate driver 210 may advance the output timingand the falling timing of the first gate signal G1 therefrom, therebyenough discharging the first gate signal G1 before the data signal areapplied to the data lines. Therefore, a distortion of an image displayedon the liquid crystal display panel 100 may be prevented.

FIG. 3 is a waveform diagram showing input and output signals of a clockgenerator of a liquid crystal display according to an alternativeexemplary embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIGS. 1 and3, a high period t1 of the first output enable signal OE1 is maintainedat a high state for about 5.5 microseconds. Likewise, a high period t3of the second output enable signal OE2 is maintained at a high state forabout 5.5 microseconds. The second output enable signal OE2 has a phasedifferent from a phase of the first output enable signal OE1.

The first clock signal CKV rises to a high level corresponding to arising edge of the high period t1 of the first output enable signal OE1and gradually falls to a low level corresponding to a rising edge of thehigh period t3 of the second output enable signal OE2. The first clocksignal CKV is at a low level corresponding to a falling edge of a clockgenerating signal CPV and is maintained at a low level until the nextsubsequent high period t2 of the first output enable signal OE1. Thefirst clock signal CKV has a plurality of high periods t5 longer thanthe subsequent high periods t6 of the first clock signal CKV (shown inFIG. 2). The second clock signal CKVB has a phase opposite to a phase ofthe first clock signal CKV. Therefore, the second clock signal CKVB hasa plurality of high periods t7 longer than the subsequent high periodst8 of the second clock signal CKVB (shown in FIG. 2).

Therefore, a first clock of the first clock signal CKV may be earlychanged in a high state by the first output enable signal OE1 and beearly changed in a low state by the second output enable signal OE2. Thegate driver 210 outputs the first gate signal G1 corresponding to afirst clock of the first clock signal CKV. Thus, the first gate signalG1 may be enough discharged before the data signal D1˜Dm are applied tothe data lines DL1˜DLm.

As a result, the gate driver 210 may advance the output timing and thefalling timing of the first gate signal G1 therefrom, thereby enoughdischarging the first gate signal G1 before the data signal D1˜Dm areapplied to the data lines DL1˜DLm. Thus, a distortion of an imagedisplayed on the liquid crystal display panel 100 may be prevented.

Also, since the high periods t1 and t3 of the first and second outputenable signals OE1 and OE2, respectively, are maintained for 5.5microseconds, overlap period between the clock generating signal CPV andthe high periods t1 and t3 of the first and second output enable signalsOE1 and OE2 is increased. Thus, a falling period of the first clocksignal CKV and a rising period of the second clock signal CKVB areincreased. Since the falling period of the first clock signal CKV andthe rising period of the second clock signal CKVB thereby overlap eachother, a predetermined time difference between the gate signals G1-Gnoutput from the gate driver 210 is established. Therefore, the fallingperiod of the first clock signal CKV and the rising period of the secondclock signal CKVB are increased and the time difference between adjacentgate signals among the gate signals GL1-GLn is therefore constant.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a gate driver of the liquid crystaldisplay according to the exemplary embodiment of the present inventionin FIG. 1.

Referring to FIG. 4, the gate driver 210 includes a shift register 210 ain which a plurality of stages SRC1-SRCn+1 are cascaded. Each of thestages includes a first input terminal IN1, a first clock terminal CK1,a second clock terminal CK2, a second input terminal IN2, a voltageinput terminal Vin, a reset terminal RE, a carry terminal CR and anoutput terminal OUT.

The first input terminal IN1 of each of the stages SRC2-SRCn+1 iselectrically connected to the carry terminal CR of a previous adjacentstage among the stages SRC1-SRCn to receive a previous carry signal.However, the first input terminal IN1 of a first stage SRC1 among thestages SRC1-SRCn+1 receives the vertical start signal STV whichinitiates an operation of the gate driver 210. The second input terminalIN2 of each of the stages SRC1-SRCn is electrically connected to theoutput terminal OUT of a next adjacent stage among the stagesSRC2-SRCn+1 to receive a next gate signal. However, the second inputterminal IN2 of a last stage SRCn+1 among the stages SRC1-SRCn+1receives the vertical start signal STV.

The first clock signal CKV is applied to the first clock terminal CK1 ofodd-numbered stages SRC1, SRC3, . . . , SRCn+1 among the stagesSRC1-SRCn+1, and the second clock signal CKVB having an opposite phaseto the first clock terminal CK1 is applied to the second clock terminalCK2 of the odd-numbered stages SRC1, SRC3, . . . , SRCn+1. Also, thesecond clock signal CKVB is applied to the first clock terminal CK1 ofeven-numbered stages SRC2, . . . , SRCn among the stages SRC1-SRCn+1,and the first clock signal CKV is applied to the second clock terminalCK2 of the even-numbered stages SRC2, . . . , SRCn.

The voltage input terminal Vin of each of the stages SRC1-SRCn+1receives a ground voltage (not shown) or the gate-off voltage Voff.Further, the carry terminal CR of the last stage SRCn+1 is electricallyconnected to the reset terminal RE of each of the stage SRC1-SRCn+1.

The output terminals OUT of the stages SRC1-SRCn+1 are electricallyconnected to the gate lines GL1-GLn, respectively. Thus, the stagesSRC1-SRCn+1 sequentially output the gate signals G1-Gn through theoutput terminals OUT to apply the gate signals G1-Gn to the gate linesGL1-GLn.

The shift register 210 a is disposed adjacent to first ends of the gatelines GL1-GLn (FIG. 1). In one exemplary embodiment, the gate driver 210further includes a discharge circuit 210 b (FIG. 4) disposed adjacent tosecond ends of the gate lines GL1-GLn such that the discharge circuit210 b discharges a voltage of a respective gate line to the gate-offvoltage Voff in response to the next gate signal output of the nextadjacent stage. The discharge circuit 210 b includes a plurality ofdischarge transistors NT16. Each discharge transistor NT16 associatedwith a given gate line includes a control electrode connected to a nextadjacent gate line, an input electrode which receives the gate-offvoltage Voff, and an output electrode connected to the associated gateline.

FIG. 5A is a graph of gate signals and data signals versus timeillustrating a relationship between a first gate signal and data signalsin a general liquid crystal display, and FIG. 5B is a graph of gatesignals and data signals versus time illustrating a relationship betweena first gate signal and data signals in a liquid crystal displayaccording to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Referringto FIG. 5A, the first stage receives the vertical start signal STV toinitiate operation, in a manner as described above in reference to FIG.4, since there is no adjacent prior stage to the first stage in ageneral gate driver.

Further, the vertical start signal STV applied to the general gatedriver has a high duration longer than a duration of one horizontalscanning period. Thus, when the vertical start signal is applied to thefirst stage, a first gate signal G′1 output from the first stage isdistorted in the falling period thereof, as shown in FIG. 5A.

When the first gate signal G′1 is distorted, the data signal is appliedto a data line before the first gate signal G′1 falls to low level. Moreparticularly, in a display device which uses a line inversion drivingmethod, a polarity of the data signal is inverted before the first gatesignal G′1 falls to a low level. As a result, when a data signal havinga negative polarity is applied to a first pixel row connected to thefirst gate line is inverted to have a positive polarity before the firstgate signal G′1 completely falls to the low level, a pixel voltagecharged to the first pixel row is reduced due to the negative polarityof the data signal having the negative polarity. As a result, a linedefect occurs, causing the first pixel row to become brighter than otherpixel rows.

Referring to FIG. 5B, the first gate signal G1 according to an exemplaryembodiment of the present invention is discharged earlier than the gatesignal G′1. More specifically, as the first high period t1 of the firstoutput enable signal OE1 (refer to FIG. 2) is early generated as about1.8 microseconds, the first gate signal G1 is outputted from gate driverearlier than the gate signal G′1. Also, as the first high period t2 ofthe second output enable signal OE2 (refer to FIG. 2) is early generatedas about 1.8 microseconds, the first gate signal G1 is dischargedearlier than the gate signal G′1. Therefore, the first gate signal G1may be enough discharged before the data signal D1˜Dm are applied to thedata lines DL1˜DLm, thereby preventing a distortion of an imagedisplayed on the liquid crystal display panel 100.

As a result, the first gate signal G1 of an exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention is substantially at a low level when a polarity of thedata signal is inverted (FIG. 5B). Thus, the gate driver 210 accordingto an exemplary embodiment of the present invention prevents the firstpixel row from being adversely affected by the data signal of a nextpixel row, thereby effectively preventing or reducing the line defect ofthe first pixel row discussed above with respect to the prior art inFIG. 5A.

FIG. 6A is a block diagram of a gate driver of a display deviceaccording to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, andFIG. 6B is a waveform diagram illustrating input and output signals of adummy stage D-SRC of the gate driver of the display device according tothe exemplary embodiment of the present invention in FIG. 6A. In FIG.6A, like reference numerals denote the same or like elements in FIG. 4,and thus repetitive descriptions of the same or like elements will beomitted below.

Referring to FIG. 6A, a gate driver 220 according to another exemplaryembodiment of the present invention includes a shift register 220 a anda discharge circuit 220 b. The shift register 220 a includes first to(n+1)th stages SRC1-SRCn+1 and a dummy stage D-SRC.

The first to n-th stages SRC1-SRCn are connected to the first to n-thgate lines GL1-GLn of a display panel (FIG. 1) to sequentially outputthe gate signals G1-Gn. The (n+1)th stage SRCn+1 is provided adjacentand subsequent to the n-th stage SRCn to turn off the n-th stage SRCn.More specifically, a dummy gate signal output from output terminal OUTof the (n+1 )th stage SRCn+1 is applied to the second input terminal IN2of the n-th stage SRCn to lower the gate signal Gn output from the n-thstage SRCn to the gate-off voltage Voff.

Further, the dummy stage D-SRC is provided adjacent and prior to thefirst stage SRC1 and operates in response to the vertical start signalSTV. The carry signal output D-CR from the dummy stage D-SRC is appliedto the first input terminal IN1 of the first stage SRC1.

Referring to FIGS. 6A and 6B, the dummy stage D-SRC outputs the carrysignal D-CR in response to the second clock signal CKVB during a highperiod of the vertical start signal STV. Also, the first stage SRC1outputs the first gate signal G1 in response to the carry signal D-CR ofthe dummy stage D-SRC, so that the gate driver 220 prevents the firstgate signal G1 from being distorted by the vertical start signal STV, asdescribed in greater detail above.

Since the dummy stage D-SRC drives the first stage SRC1, the dummy stageD-SRC is not connected to the gate lines GL1-GLn. Accordingly, althoughthe dummy gate signal output from the output terminal OUT of the dummystage D-SRC is distorted by the vertical start signal STV, thedistortion of the dummy gate signal is not displayed on the displaypanel.

As described above, the carry signal D-CR output from the dummy stageD-SRC is applied to the first stage SRC1 in lieu of the vertical startsignal STV. Therefore, a distortion of the first gate signal output fromthe first stage SRC1 may be prevented, effectively preventing orreducing a line defect of the first pixel row of the display panel.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram of a gate driver of a display device accordingto yet another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 8 isa waveform diagram illustrating input and output signals of a pulsewidth modulator of the gate driver of the display device according tothe exemplary embodiment of the present invention in FIG. 7, and FIG. 9is a graph illustrating a first gate signal output of the gate driver ofthe display device according to the exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention in FIG. 7. In FIG. 7, like reference numerals denote the sameor like elements in FIG. 4, and thus repetitive descriptions of the sameor like elements will be omitted below.

Referring to FIG. 7, a gate driver 230 according to yet anotherexemplary embodiment of the present invention includes a shift register230 a, a pulse width modulator 230 b and a discharge circuit 230 c.

The pulse width modulator 230 b includes a transistor. A controlelectrode of the transistor receives the second clock signal CKVB, aninput electrode of the transistor receives a first vertical start signalSTV1 and an output electrode of the transistor outputs a second verticalstart signal STV2 and is connected to the first input terminal IN1 ofthe first stage SRC1.

Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, the first vertical start signal STV1 ismaintained at a high state for a duration which is greater than or equalto a half-period of the first clock signal CKV, and which is less thanor equal to one period T of the first clock signal CKV. The second clocksignal CKVB has an opposite phase to a phase the first clock signal CKV,so that the second clock signal CKVB is maintained at a low level duringthe high period of the first clock signal CKV. Thus, the transistor ofthe pulse width modulator 230 b is turned on during the high period ofthe second clock signal CKVB, and the first vertical start signal STV1is output through the output electrode of the transistor of the pulsewidth modulator 230 b to the first stage SRC1.

When the second clock signal CKVB transits to a low level and the firstclock signal CKV transits to a high level, the transistor of the pulsewidth modulator 230 b is turned off and remains off during the lowperiod of the second clock signal CKVB. Thus, the first vertical startsignal STV1 applied to the transistor does not pass through thetransistor of the pulse width modulator 230 b to the first stage SRC1during the low period of the second clock signal CKVB.

As a result, the second vertical start signal STV2 has a high periodcorresponding to half of the high period of the second clock signal CKVBand is output from the output electrode of the transistor of the pulsewidth modulator 230 b to the first stage SRC1. The second vertical startsignal STV2 output from the pulse width modulator 230 b is applied tothe first input terminal IN1 of the first stage SRC1 of the shiftregister 230 a.

In FIG. 9, a first graph A1 illustrates a first gate signal G1 outputfrom the first stage SRC1 when the first vertical start signal STV1 isapplied to the first input terminal IN1 of the first stage SRC1. Asecond graph A2 illustrates the first gate signal G1 output from thefirst stage SRC1 when the second vertical start signal STV2 is appliedto the first input terminal IN1 of the first stage SRC1 in accordancewith an exemplary embodiment of the present invention described above.

Referring to FIG. 9, when the first vertical start signal STV1 isapplied to the first stage SRC1 (A1), a falling edge of the first gatesignal G1 output from the first stage SRC1 is distorted. For example,when the first vertical start signal STV1 is maintained at a high levelduring a low period of the first clock signal CKV, the first gate signalG1 is rapidly lowered at the falling edge of the first clock signal CKV,causing distortion.

The first gate signal G1 should be completely discharged to a low levelduring the high period of the second gate signal G2. However, since thefirst gate signal G1 is quickly lowered at the falling edge of the firstclock signal CKV, as described above, an interval exists before thesecond gate signal G2 transits to a high level, and a period when thefirst gate signal G1 is maintained at an intermediate level between thelow level and the high level is generated, e.g., the first gate signalG1 is distorted.

However, in the exemplary embodiment of the present invention of FIG. 7,when the second vertical start signal STV2 shown in FIG. 8 is applied tothe first stage SRC1, the second vertical start signal STV2 transits toa low level when the first clock signal CKV transits to a low level,thereby preventing the first gate signal G1 from being rapidly loweredat the falling edge of the first clock signal CKV. Thus, the first gatesignal G1 is maintained at a high level until the second gate signal G2is generated and the first gate signal G1 is discharged to a low levelby the second gate signal G2. Thus, the gate driver 230 according to anexemplary embodiment of the present invention prevents the distortion ofthe gate signal output G1 from the first stage SRC1, as shown in graphA2 of FIG. 9.

FIG. 10 is a schematic circuit diagram of a first stage SRC1 of a gatedriver according to another exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention. The first stage SRC1 described in reference to FIG. 10 hassame structure and function as other stages SRC2-SRCn+1 of the gatedriver, and thus repetitive descriptions of the other stages will beomitted below.

Referring to FIG. 10, the first stage SRC1 includes a pull-up part 211,a carry part 212, a pull-down part 213, a pull-up driving part 214, aripple preventing part 215, a holding part 216, an inverter part 217 andreset part 218.

The pull-up part 211 includes a pull-up transistor NT1 of which acontrol electrode is connected to a node QN (hereinafter referred to as“Q-node”) of the pull-up driving part 214, an input electrode isconnected to a first clock terminal CK1 and an output electrode isconnected to an output terminal OUT. Thus, the pull-up transistor NT1pulls up a gate signal to the output terminal OUT to a first clocksignal CKV provided through the first clock terminal CK1 in response toa control voltage output from the pull-up driving part 214, described infurther detail below. The pull-up transistor NT1 is turned on during ahigh period of the first clock signal CKV to maintain a gate signal at ahigh level.

The carry part 212 includes a carry transistor NT2 of which a controlelectrode is connected to the Q-node QN, an input electrode is connectedto the first clock terminal CK1 and an output electrode is connected toa carry terminal CR. The carry transistor NT2 pulls a carry signalapplied to the output terminal OUT up to the first clock signal CKVprovided through the first clock terminal CK1 in response to the controlvoltage output from the pull up driving part 214. The carry transistorNT2 turns on during a high period of the first clock signal CKV tomaintain the carry signal at a high level.

The pull-down part 213 includes a pull-down transistor NT3 of which acontrol electrode is connected to a second input terminal IN2, an inputelectrode is connected to a voltage input terminal Vin and an outputelectrode is connected to an output terminal OUT. The pull-downtransistor NT3 pulls down a gate signal to a gate-off voltage Voffprovided through the voltage input terminal Vin (FIG. 4) in response toa next adjacent gate signal. A gate signal may be pulled down to a lowlevel after horizontal scanning period ends, for example, but is notlimited thereto in alternative exemplary embodiments of the presentinvention.

The pull-up driving part 214 includes a buffer transistor NT4, a firstcapacitor C1, a first discharge transistor NT5 and a second dischargetransistor NT6, a fourth capacitor C4. The buffer transistor NT4includes an input electrode and a control electrode commonly connectedto a first input terminal IN1 and an output electrode connected to theQ-node QN. The first capacitor C1 is connected between the Q-node QN andthe output terminal OUT. The first discharge transistor NT5 includes aninput electrode connected to the Q-node QN, a control electrodeconnected to the second input terminal IN2 and an output electrodeconnected to the voltage input terminal Vin. The second dischargetransistor NT6 includes an input electrode connected to the outputterminal OUT, a control electrode connected to a second clock terminalCK2 and an output electrode connected to the voltage input terminal Vin.The fourth capacitor C4 is connected between the Q-node QN and the carryterminal CR.

When the buffer transistor NT4 turns on in response to an adjacentprevious gate signal, the first and fourth capacitors C1 and C4 arecharged. When a voltage above a threshold voltage of the pull-uptransistor NT1 charges to the first capacitor C1, e.g., an electricpotential of the Q-node QN increases above the threshold voltage and thepull-up transistor NT1 turns on. Also, when a voltage above a thresholdvoltage of the carry transistor NT2 charges to the fourth capacitor C2,e.g., an electric potential of the Q-node QN increases above thethreshold voltage and the carry transistor NT2 turns on. Thus, the firstclock signal CKV is outputted to the output terminal OUT and the carryterminal CR, so that the gate signal and the carry signal transit to ahigh level. The gate signal is maintained at a high level for one highperiod of the first clock signal CKV.

When the first discharge transistor NT5 turns on in response to a nextadjacent gate signal, the voltage charged to the first capacitor C1discharges to the gate-off voltage Voff through the first dischargetransistor NT5. Thus, the electric potential of the Q-node QN isdecreased to the gate-off voltage Voff by the adjacent next gate signal,thereby turning off the pull-up transistor NT1. Further, the firstdischarge transistor NT5 prevents the gate signal from being outputtedafter an associated horizontal scanning period ends.

When the second discharge transistor NT6 turns on in response to thesecond clock signal CKVB applied to the second clock terminal CK2, theoutput terminal OUT is electrically connected to the voltage inputterminal Vin through the second discharge transistor NT6. Therefore, thegate signal of the output terminal OUT discharges to the gate-offvoltage Voff through the second discharge transistor NT6.

The ripple preventing part 215 prevents a gate signal from rippling bythe first clock signal CKV or the second clock signal CKVB during aprevious horizontal scanning period (n−1)H, as described in furtherdetail below. The ripple preventing part 215 includes a first ripplepreventing transistor NT7 and a second ripple preventing transistor NT8.

The first ripple preventing transistor NT7 includes a control electrodeconnected to the second clock terminal CK2, an input electrode connectedto the first input terminal IN1 and an output electrode connected to theQ-node QN. The second ripple preventing transistor NT8 includes acontrol electrode connected to the first clock terminal CK1, an inputelectrode connected to the Q-node QN and an output electrode connectedto the output terminal OUT.

The first ripple preventing transistor NT7 turns on in response to thesecond clock signal CKVB provided through the second clock terminal CK2to electrically connect the first input terminal IN1 and the Q-node QN.Accordingly, the first ripple preventing transistor NT7 holds theelectric potential of the Q-node QN to the previous adjacent gate signalwhich is maintained at the gate-off voltage Voff. Consequently, thefirst ripple preventing transistor NT7 prevents the pull-up transistorNT1 from turning on during a high period of the second clock signal CKVBwithin the (n−1)H period, thereby preventing the gate signal fromrippling.

The second ripple preventing transistor NT8 turns on in response to thefirst clock signal CKV to electrically connect the output terminal OUTto the Q-node QN. Thus, the electric potential of the Q-node QN is heldto the gate signal which is maintained at the gate-off voltage Voff. Asa result, the second ripple preventing transistor NT8 prevents thepull-up transistor NT1 from being turned on during the high period ofthe first clock signal CKV within the (n−1)H period, thereby preventingthe present gate signal from rippling.

The holding part 216 includes a holding transistor NT10 of which acontrol electrode is connected to the output of the inverter part 217,an input electrode is connected to the voltage input terminal Vin and anoutput electrode is connected to the output terminal OUT.

The inverter part 217 includes a first inverter transistor NT11, asecond inverter transistor NT12, a third inverter transistor NT13 and afourth inverter transistor NT14, and a second capacitor C2 and a thirdcapacitor C3 to turn the holding transistor NT10 on or off.

The first inverter transistor NT11 includes an input electrode and acontrol electrode commonly connected to the first clock terminal CK1 andan output electrode connected to an output electrode of the secondinverter transistor NT12 through the third capacitor C3. The secondinverter transistor NT12 includes an input electrode connected to thefirst clock terminal CK1, a control electrode connected to the inputelectrode thereof through the second capacitor C2 and an outputelectrode connected to the control electrode of the holding transistorNT10. The third inverter transistor NT13 includes an input electrodeconnected to the output electrode of the first inverter transistor NT11,a control electrode connected to the output terminal OUT and an outputelectrode connected to the voltage input terminal Vin. The fourthinverter transistor NT14 includes an input electrode connected to thecontrol electrode of the holding transistor NT10, a control electrodeconnected to the output terminal OUT and an output electrode connectedto the voltage input terminal Vin.

The third and fourth inverter transistors NT13 and NT14, respectively,turn on in response to a gate signal at a high level through the outputterminal OUT at a high level, and the first clock signal CKV output fromthe first and second inverter transistors NT11 and NT12, respectively,is discharged to the gate-off voltage Voff. Thus, the holding transistorNT10 is off during a horizontal scanning period 1H when the current gatesignal is maintained at a high level. When the current gate signaltransits to a low level, the third and fourth inverter transistors NT13and NT14 are turned off. Thus, the holding transistor NT10 turns on inresponse to the first clock input CKV output from the first and secondinverter transistors NT11 and NT12, respectively. As a result, thecurrent gate signal is held at the gate-off voltage by the holdingtransistor NT10 during a high period of the first clock signal CKVduring the previous horizontal scanning period (n−1)H.

The reset part 218 includes a reset transistor NT15 of which a controlelectrode is connected to the reset terminal RE, an input electrode isconnected to the Q-node QN and an output electrode is connected to thevoltage input terminal Vin. The reset transistor NT15 discharges a noiseinput through the first input terminal IN1 to the gate-off voltage Voffwhich is output from the last stage SRCn+1 in response to a last gatesignal Gn of the stage Gn (FIG. 4) is input through the reset terminalRE. Therefore, the pull-up transistor NT1 turns off in response to thelast gate signal Gn from the stage SRCn. Consequently, the pull-uptransistor NT1 turns off the pull-up transistor NT1 of each of the nstages, thereby resetting the stages SRC1-SRCn in response to the lastgate signal Gn of stage SRCn.

In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the pull-downtransistor NT3 of the first stage SRC1 has a channel width greater thanor equal to about two times a channel width of the pull-down transistorsNT3 of the stages SRC2-SRCn. More specifically, the pull-down transistorNT3 of the first stage SRC1 may have a channel width of about 3000micrometers, and the pull-down transistors NT3 of each of the stagesSRC2-SRCn may have a channel width of about 1100 micrometers, but is notlimited thereto in alternative exemplary embodiments of the presentinvention.

The pull-down transistor NT3 discharges a gate signal to the gate-offvoltage Voff in response to an adjacent next gate signal. When thechannel width of the pull-down transistor NT3 of the first stage SRC1 isgreater than a channel width of the pull-down transistors NT3 of thestages SRC2-SRCn, a discharging capability of the first stage SRC1 isenhanced. Thus, the first gate signal G1 output to the gate line GL1from the first stage SRC1 may be discharged rapidly, even though theQ-node QN is not rapidly discharged in the first stage SRC1 due to thevertical start signal STV, and the first gate signal G1 is quicklylowered corresponding to the falling edge of the first clock signal CKV,as described in greater detail above in reference to FIG. 5B.

Therefore, since the capability of the pull-down transistor NT3 of thefirst stage SRC1 is improved due to the channel width of the pull-downtransistor NT3 of the first stage SRC1 being greater than a channelwidth of the pull-down transistors NT3 of the stages SRC2-SRCn, thefirst gate signal G1 is rapidly discharged, thereby preventingdistortion of the first gate signal G1.

The discharge transistor NT16 which is connected to the first gate lineGL1 to discharge the first gate signal G1 has a channel width greaterthan or equal to about 1.6 times a width of a channel of the dischargetransistors NT16 which are connected to the gate lines GL2-GLn todischarge the gate signals G2-Gn. More specifically, the dischargetransistor NT16 connected to the first gate line GL1 may have a channelwidth of about 6000 micrometers, and the discharge transistors NT16connected to the gate lines GL2-GLn may have a channel width of about4000 micrometers.

Thus, a discharge capability of the discharge transistor NT16 whichdischarges the first gate signal G1 is improved in comparison to adischarge capability of the discharge transistors NT16 connected to thegate lines GL2-GLn, and the first gate signal G1 is thereby rapidlydischarged, preventing distortion of the first gate signal G1.

The first ripple preventing transistor NT7 connected to the Q-node QN ofthe first stage SRC1 may have a channel width less than or equal toabout one-tenth of a channel width of the first ripple preventingtransistors NT7 of the stages SRC2-SRCn. More specifically, the firstripple preventing transistor NT7 of the first stage SRC1 may have achannel width of about 25 micrometers, and the first ripple preventingtransistor NT7 of the stages SRC2-SRCn may have a channel width of about350 micrometers.

The first ripple preventing transistor NT7 in the first stage SRC1applies the vertical start signal STV to the Q-node QN in response tothe second clock signal CKVB. However, if a capability of the firstripple preventing transistor NT7 in the first stage SRC1 isdeteriorated, e.g., the channel width of the first ripple preventingtransistor NT7 of the first stage SRC1 is increased, an increase of theelectric potential of the Q-node QN during the high period of the secondclock signal CKVB may be delayed due to the vertical start signal STVhaving a high level. Accordingly, as described above, the channel widthof the pull-down transistor NT3 and the discharge transistor NT16 isrelatively large in the first stage SRC1 and the channel width of thefirst ripple preventing transistor NT7 is relatively small, as comparedto respective channel widths of the associated transistors in the stagesSRC2-SRCn, so that distortion of the first gate signal G1 is effectivelyreduced or prevented.

In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the first stageSRC1 is disposed adjacent to a peripheral region of the display panelsuch that a channel width of the transistors of the first stage SRC1 maybe readily enhanced as compared to in the other stages SRC2-SRCn.

FIG. 11A is a plan view of a first ripple preventing transistor NT7 of afirst stage SRC1 of the gate driver according to the exemplaryembodiment of the present invention in FIG. 10, and FIG. 11B is a planview of a first ripple preventing transistor NT7 of a second stage SRC2of the gate driver according to the exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention in FIG. 10.

Referring to FIGS. 11A and 11B, the first ripple preventing transistorNT7 of the first stage SRC1 includes a first gate electrode GE1, a firstsource electrode SE1 and a first drain electrode DE1. The first ripplepreventing transistor NT7 of the second stage SRC2 includes a secondgate electrode GE2, a second source electrode SE2 and a second drainelectrode DE2. The first ripple preventing transistor NT7 of the firststage SRC1 has a channel width W1 which is narrower than a channel widthW2 of the second ripple preventing transistor NT8 of the second stageSRC2, as shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B.

In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the first ripplepreventing transistor NT7 of the first stage SRC1 has a channel width ofabout 25 micrometers, and the first ripple preventing transistor NT7 ofthe second stage SRC2 has a channel width of about 350 micrometers.

As described above, when the channel width W1 of the first ripplepreventing transistor NT7 of the first stage SRC1 is less than thechannel width W2 of the first ripple preventing resistor NT7 of thesecond stage SRC2, distortion of the first gate signal G1 is effectivelyreduced or prevented. However, when the channel width W1 of the firstripple preventing transistor NT7 of the first stage SRC1 decreases, aripple voltage at the Q-node QN of the first stage SRC1 may increase.More specifically, the ripple voltage at the Q-node QN of the firststage SRC1 is inversely proportional to a total capacitance ofcapacitors connected to the Q-node QN. For example, when a totalcapacitance, including parasitic capacitances, connected to the Q-nodeQN increases, the ripple voltage at the Q-node QN decreases.

Thus, the first ripple preventing transistor NT7 of the first stage SRC1is designed to have a parasitic capacitance equal to a parasiticcapacitance of the first ripple preventing transistor NT7 of the secondstage SRC2.

More specifically, the first ripple preventing transistor NT7 of thefirst stage SRC1 includes a first parasitic capacitor Cgs1 formedbetween the first gate electrode GE1 and the first source electrode SE1and a second parasitic capacitor Cgd1 formed between the first gateelectrode GE1 and the first drain electrode DE1. The first ripplepreventing transistor NT7 of the second stage SRC2 includes a thirdparasitic capacitor Cgs2 formed between the second gate electrode GE2and the second source electrode SE2 and a fourth parasitic capacitorCgd2 formed between the second gate electrode GE2 and the second drainelectrode DE2 such that the parasitic capacitance of the first ripplepreventing transistor NT7 of the first stage SRC1 is substantially equalto the parasitic capacitance of the first ripple preventing transistorNT7 of the second stage SRC2.

More specifically, in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention,a size of the first source electrode SE1 is such that an overlap areabetween the first source electrode SE1 and the first gate electrode GE1is equal to an overlap area between the second source electrode SE2 andthe second gate electrode GE2. Thus, the first parasitic capacitor Cgs1has a capacitance equal to a capacitance of the third parasiticcapacitor Cgs2.

Further, a size of the first drain electrode DE1 is such that an overlaparea between the first drain electrode DE1 and the first gate electrodeGE1 is equal to an overlap area between the second drain electrode DE2and the second gate electrode GE2. Thus, the second parasitic capacitorCgd1 has a capacitance equal to a capacitance of the fourth parasiticcapacitor Cgd2.

Accordingly, the total capacitance of the capacitors connected to theQ-node QN of the first stage SRC1 is not reduced, so that the ripplevoltage at the Q-node QN is effectively reduced or prevented.

According to exemplary embodiments of the present invention describedherein, a first gate signal output from a first stage of a gate driveris lowered to a low level faster than a timing wherein a polarity of adata signal is inverted. Thus, line defects of a first pixel row aresubstantially reduced or effectively prevented.

Further, since a signal such as a carry signal from a dummy stage, forexample, is used to control the first stage of the gate driver in lieuof a start signal, the first gate signal output from the first stage isnot distorted in exemplary embodiments of the present inventiondescribed herein. Consequently, the line defects of the first pixel rowmay be further substantially reduced or effectively prevented, therebyfurther improving the display quality of a display apparatus.

The present invention should not be construed as being limited to theexemplary embodiments thereof which have been described herein. Rather,these exemplary embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will bethorough and complete and will fully convey the concept of the presentinvention to those skilled in the art.

While the present invention has been particularly shown and describedwith reference to exemplary embodiments thereof, it will be understoodby those having ordinary skill in the art that various changes andmodifications may be made therein by one of ordinary skill in the artwithout departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention asdefined by the following claims.

1. A display apparatus comprising: a gate driver which sequentiallyoutputs a gate signal at a high state in response to a gate controlsignal; a data driver which converts image data into a data signal inresponse to a data control signal; and a display panel comprising: aplurality of gate lines which sequentially receives the gate signal; aplurality of data lines which receives the data signal; and a pluralityof pixels connected to the plurality of gate lines and to the pluralityof data lines and which receives the data signal in response to the gatesignal to display an image, wherein the gate signal transitions to a lowstate before the data signal is outputted from the data driver.
 2. Thedisplay apparatus of claim 1, wherein the gate control signal comprises:a start signal which initiates an operation of the gate driver; a firstclock signal which determines a duration of the gate signal applied toodd-numbered gate lines of the plurality of gate lines; and a secondclock signal which determines a duration of the gate signal applied toeven-numbered gate lines of the plurality of gate lines and has anopposite phase to a phase of the first clock signal.
 3. The displayapparatus of claim 2, further comprising a clock generator whichgenerates the first clock signal in response to a first output enablesignal which determines a duration of the first clock signal, the secondclock signal in response to a second output enable signal whichdetermines a duration of the second clock signal, having a phasedifferent than a phase of the first output enable signal and a clockgenerating signal, wherein a period of the first clock signal is equalto a duration of time between a first time when the first output enablesignal transitions to a first output enable signal first high state anda second time when the second output enable signal transitions to asecond output enable signal first high state.
 4. The display apparatusof claim 3, wherein each of the first output enable signal, the secondoutput enable signal and the clock generating signal has a samefrequency, a falling period the first clock signal is equal to anoverlap period between the clock generating signal and the second outputenable signal.
 5. The display apparatus of claim 3, wherein the durationof the first output enable signal first high state and the duration ofthe second output enable first high state are each greater than or equalto a duration of a first output enable signal subsequent high state anda duration of a second output enable subsequent high state,respectively.
 6. A display apparatus comprising: a gate driver whichsequentially outputs gate signals in response to a gate control signal;a data driver which converts image data into a data signal in responseto a data control signal and outputs the data signal; and a displaypanel comprising: a plurality of gate lines which sequentially receivesthe gate signals; a plurality of data lines which receives the datasignals; and a plurality of pixels connected to the plurality of gatelines and the plurality of data lines and which receives the data signalin response to the gate signals to display an image, wherein the gatedriver comprises: a pulse width modulator which receives a first startsignal and outputs a second start signal having a pulse width smallerthan that of the first start signal in response to a selection signal;and a plurality of cascaded stages which operate in response to thesecond start signal from the pulse width modulator to sequentially applythe gate signal to the plurality of gate lines.
 7. The display apparatusof claim 6, wherein the second start signal has a pulse width equal to apulse width of a horizontal scanning period of the gate signals.
 8. Thedisplay apparatus of claim 6, wherein the pulse width modulatorcomprises a transistor, the transistor comprising: an input electrodewhich receives the first start signal; a control electrode whichreceives the selection signal; and an output electrode which outputs thesecond start signal.
 9. The display apparatus of claim 6, whereinodd-numbered stages among the plurality of cascaded stages output thegate signals to odd-numbered gate lines of the plurality of gate linesin response to a first clock signal of the gate control signal, andeven-numbered stages among the plurality of cascaded stages output thegate signals to even-numbered gate lines of the plurality of gate linesin response to a second clock of the gate control signal.
 10. Thedisplay apparatus of claim 8, wherein the second start signal is appliedto a first stage, and the selection signal is the second clock signal.11. The display apparatus of claim 8, wherein the first clock signal hasa phase opposite to a phase of the second clock signal.
 12. The displayapparatus of claim 6, wherein the pulse width modulator comprises afirst dummy stage which outputs the second star signal in response tothe first start signal.
 13. The display apparatus of claim 12, whereinthe first dummy stage is configured substantially the same as thecascaded stages.
 14. The display apparatus of claim 6, wherein each ofthe cascaded stages of the plurality of cascaded stages turns on inresponse to a previous adjacent carry signal and turns off in responseto a next adjacent gate signal, and the gate driver further comprises asecond dummy stage which generates a dummy gate signal to turn off alast cascaded stage among the plurality of cascaded stages.
 15. Adisplay apparatus comprising: a gate driver comprising a plurality ofcascaded stages, the plurality of cascaded stages comprising a firstcascaded stage and a plurality of subsequent cascaded stages tosequentially output gate signals in response to a gate control signal; adata driver which converts image data into a data signal in response toa data control signal and outputs the data signal; and a display panelcomprising: a plurality of gate lines which sequentially receives thegate signals; a plurality of data lines which receives the data signals;and a plurality of pixels connected to the plurality of gate lines andthe plurality of data lines and which receives the data signals inresponse to the gate signals to display an image, wherein the firstcascaded stage and each of the subsequent cascaded stages of theplurality of cascaded stages comprises: a first transistor which pullsup a gate signal to a gate-on voltage; a second transistor connected toa control electrode and which receives a previous adjacent output signalto turn on the first transistor; a third transistor connected to thecontrol electrode and which receives a next adjacent output signal toturn off the first transistor; and a fourth transistor connected to anoutput terminal and which receives the next adjacent output signal topull down the gate signal to a gate-off voltage, wherein the fourthtransistor of the first cascaded stage has a channel width greater thanor equal to about two times a channel width of the fourth transistor ofthe subsequent cascaded stages of the plurality of cascaded stages. 16.The display apparatus of claim 15, wherein the first cascaded stage andeach of the cascaded stages of the plurality of cascaded stages furthercomprises a fifth transistor which holds an electric potential of thecontrol electrode at the gate-off voltage.
 17. The display apparatus ofclaim 16, wherein the fifth transistor of the first cascaded stage has achannel width less than or equal to about one-tenth of a channel widthof the fifth transistor of the subsequent cascaded stages among theplurality of cascaded stages.
 18. The display apparatus of claim 15,wherein: the first cascaded stage and each of the subsequent cascadedstages of the plurality of cascaded stages further comprises a sixthtransistor which pulls up a carry signal to a gate-on voltage inresponse to an electric potential of the control electrode, the previousadjacent output signal applied to the present stage is a previous carrysignal output from the previous adjacent stage, and the next outputsignal applied to the present stage is a next adjacent gate signaloutput from the next stage.
 19. The display apparatus of claim 15,wherein the first cascaded stage and each of the subsequent cascadedstages of the plurality of cascaded stages further comprises a seventhtransistor connected to the plurality of gate lines to discharge a gatesignal to the gate-off voltage.
 20. The display apparatus of claim 19,wherein the seventh transistor of the first cascaded stage has a channelwidth greater than or equal to about 1.5 times a channel width of theseventh transistors of the subsequent cascaded stages of the pluralityof cascaded stages.
 21. The display apparatus of claim 19, wherein theseventh transistor of the first cascaded stage has a channel width ofabout 4000 micrometers and each of the seventh transistors of thesubsequent cascaded stages of the plurality of cascaded stages has achannel width of about 6000 micrometers.
 22. A method of driving adisplay apparatus, the method comprising: sequentially outputting gatesignals at a high state in response to gate control signals; convertingimage data into a data signal in response to a data control signal;outputting the data signals after the gate signals transit to a lowstate; and receiving the data signals in response to the gate signals todisplay an image.
 23. The method of claim 22, wherein the gate controlsignal comprises: a start signal starting an output of the gate signal;a first clock signal determining a high period of odd-numbered gatesignals among the gate signals; and a second clock signal determining ahigh period of even-numbered gate signals among the gate lines andhaving an opposite phase to that of the first clock signal.
 24. Themethod of claim 23, further comprising generating the first clock signalin response to a first output enable signal, the second clock signal inresponse to a second output enable signal having a different phase withrespect to the first output enable signal, and a clock generatingsignal, wherein a period of the first clock signal is equal to aduration of time between a first time when the first output enablesignal transitions to a first output enable signal first high state anda second time when the second output enable signal transitions to asecond output enable signal first high state.
 25. The method of claim24, wherein a duration of the first output enable signal first highstate and the second output enable signal first high state are greaterthan or equal to a duration of a first output enable signal subsequenthigh state and a duration of a second output enable subsequent highstate, respectively.